The objectives of this project were: To design and implement a survey program to augment the historical survey data used for species split with contemporary, well-targeted and spatially precise data. This survey to be trialled in 2002-3 and confirmed in 2003-4. To establish a protocol so that such surveys can be quickly designed and implemented on an ongoing monitoring basis. To develop further the species split methods first proposed in FRDC 98/109 so that they can be used confidently in any new stock assessments. To re-examine the historical survey data as part of the strategy for the above and to report, particularly on the value of size class information for this purpose. To investigate and report on the potential use of electronic logbooks for enhancing the precision of stock assessment of Tiger prawn species, particularly on a spatially local scale. To investigate and report on the use of size class data for gaining some information on recruitment patterns for the stock assessment.

This data was performed as part of the Stock Recruitment Relationships project. The objectives were to collect more information on fishing effort at a smaller spatial scale (GPS systems had recently been introduced), to determine the degree of aggregation of fishing effort, and to determine how try net gear may alter fishing effort. CSIRO staff performed the data collection from commercial vessels, and measured and identified prawns - collected at night - from try shots. Prawns were sorted by species and sex, with each prawn individually measured. Ripe remales were given a gonad stage (1-5). No weight information was collected. Bycatch was identified and counted.

Prawn larval densities were calculated from stepped oblique bottom to surface plankton tows, deployed during monthly cruises carried out at twenty-one stations in Albatross Bay, Gulf of Carpentaria. Cruises were undertaken between March 1986 and April 1992. Penaeid prawn counts were recorded to species level (Penaeus spp.) for all observed larval stages. Sampling used a stepped-oblique tow, using a 0.5 x 0.5 square metre frame with 140-142 micron mesh. Salinity-temperature profiles were also recorded during the cruise.

Plankton samples were taken monthly at Groote Eylandt, Gulf of Carpentaria. Numbers and densities of plankton were measured and prawn post-larval data were collected.

Total zooplankton biomass levels were calculated from stepped oblique bottom to surface plankton tows, deployed during monthly cruises carried out at twenty-one stations in Albatross Bay, Gulf of Carpentaria. Cruises were undertaken between March 1986 and April 1992. Total zooplankton biomass were calculated as grams dry weight. Sampling used a stepped-oblique tow, using a 0.5 x 0.5 square metre frame with either a 140-142 micron mesh (sampler_code = 'A'), or a 250 micron mesh (sampler_code='E')

Prawn larval densities were calculated from stepped oblique bottom to surface plankton tows, deployed during monthly cruises carried out between March 1986 and April 1992, at twenty-one stations in Albatross Bay, Gulf of Carpentaria. Penaeid prawn counts were recorded to genus level (Penaeus spp.) for all observed larval stages. Salinity-temperature profiles were also recorded during the cruise.

The 1996 issue of the Torres Prawn aims to provide Torres Strait prawn fishers with the latest management, logbook and scientific information available on the Torres Strait prawn fishery. The report was compiled by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) in conjunction with the Queensland Department of Primary Industries (QDPI) and the Queensland Fish Management Authority (QFMA) to inform and assist prawn industry members in their fishing operations. Refer to the published report: AFMA (1996)Torres Prawn Handbook 1996. AFMA/QDPI/QFMA. 105pp.

The 1997 issue of the Torres Prawn aims to provide Torres Strait prawn fishers with the latest management, logbook and scientific information available on the Torres Strait prawn fishery. The report was compiled by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) in conjunction with the Queensland Department of Primary Industries (QDPI) and the Queensland Fish Management Authority (QFMA) to inform and assist prawn industry members in their fishing operations. Refer to the published report: AFMA (1997)Torres Prawn Handbook 1997. AFMA/QDPI/QFMA. 69pp.

The 1995 issue of the Torres Prawn aims to provide Torres Strait prawn fishers with the latest management, logbook and scientific information available on the Torres Strait prawn fishery. The report was compiled by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) in conjunction with the Queensland Fish Management Authority (QFMA) to inform and assist prawn industry members in their fishing operations. Refer to the published report: AFMA (1995)Torres Prawn Handbook 1995. AFMA/QFMA. 63pp.

The 1994 issue of the Torres Prawn gives Torres Strait prawn fishers a picture of catch, species composition and effort across the fishery during 1993 and illustrates how the year compared with previous seasons. Refer to the report: van Montfrans B and Bishop M. (1994) The Torres Prawn, February 1994. AFMA. 14pp.